Compounding Chiropractic Formulations

Anti-Inflammatory agents for relief of pain in muscles & joints: (Commercial products)

• BioFreeze -- Available as cream, gel, or spray; penetrating, long lasting, cooling; works for arthritis, sore joints & muscles, calf or quad pain/cramping, back pain.
• ARNICA --- Homeopathic Arnica is used for muscle aches & stiffness; swollen joint/muscles; bruising; non-greasy. May use Pre- and/or Post workouts and Games.  Available in pellets, and cream.
• CURAPHEN – Herbal anti-inflammatory combination containing Boswellia, Curcumin.
• CURAPRO – Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory, micronized Curcumin with phosphalipid for enhanced activity.

• BOSWELLIA COMPLEX – Herbal combination, high concentration of anti-inflammatory agents.  
• OMEGA OILS – Essential Fatty             Acids are a MUST!  They reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain, along with repairing damaged tissues, muscles & joints.
• ZEEL -- Homeopathic Combo ointment used for joint stiffness, pain; arthritic conditions.

Administration Techniques: (Compounded products)

Transdermal creams, lotions, gels and Pain Sticks: Bases for these creams are specifically designed carrier agents that pull medication through the dermis for optimal absorption.  We can add many combinations of pharmaceuticals or herbs to these creams, including Ibuprofen, Kava, Solomon Seal, EMU-oil, or Guaifenisin.  Like the creams, pain sticks are designed to optimize penetration and absorption of medication.  The stiffness of this base allows the product to be dispensed in lip-balm or deodorant applicators for “spot” trigger point application.  One might consider this preparation with NSAIDS and anesthetic agents.

Oral capsules, tonics, tinctures:  Oral preparations could include anything from pre-blended encapsulations, medicated gelatins or chocolates, to formulated tinctures.  The pharmaceutical and natural world leave no shortage of agents to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, or to relax muscles, clear toxins, or provide nutritional support via oral administration.

Room sprays: Essential oils are strong anti-microbial and sanitizing agents as well as aromatherapy tools.  Practitioners use our essential oil room sprays between patients to sanitize the area and to clear the air so that each new client enters a fresh treatment space.  Patients may use room spritzers to calm agitated or restless children prior to homework or bedtime.

Non-Prescription Agents:

• EMU oil - strong anti-inflammatory properties and transdermal penetration, emu oil is a popular topical pain reliever.  We carry plain EMU oil as well as a selection of emu oil creams that include other pain relieving agents such as arnica, willow bark, methysulfonylmethane (MSM) and glucosamine.

• Essential Fatty Acids – EFA’s are important for healthy tissue function and repair.  Supplementation with EFA’s can also help relieve inflammatory conditions.

• Guaifenisen – Normally thought of as an expectorant, when used topically in transdermal preparations it enhances muscle relaxation, reducing knotting and muscle pain.

• Hormones – Hormonal support for growth and/or repair include bioidentical hormones, such as DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA, Progesterone, Pregnenolone.

• Ibuprofen - Delivered topically via transdermal creams/gels directly at the site of injury; optimize local tissue concentration, while avoiding G.I. distress.
• Vasodilators and Circulatory agents – Through the use of Ginko, vinpocetin, cayenne, ginger & niacin, we can improve fluid flow to any injury or workout area to enhance the influx of oxygen and nutrients, plus remove local waste materials, thus optimizing healing and repair.  Our Caffeine creams have proven to improve stamina & decrease discomfort among our cyclists.

Herbs to consider for oral or topical uses might include:

• Arnica Montana (arnica):  Homeopathic agent; anti-inflammatory and topical, arnica is specific for joint or muscular injury where the skin has not been broken.
   
• Capsicum annuum (cayenne): A familiar and fiery spice, cayenne is a powerful circulatory and mucosal stimulant.  As an anesthetic agent, it blocks Substance-P.  It is used to warm cold joints or to boost insufficient peripheral circulation.  Cayenne plasters are a traditional remedy for back pain.
• Escholzia california (California poppy): California poppy is a non-addictive relative of the opium poppy.  It has anti-spasmodic, anodyne, and sedative activity.  It is a favorite mild herb for children.
   
• Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort): St. John’s not only has a sedative and pain-reducing effect, it also speeds the healing of wounds, bruises, and burns. St. John’s oil works effectively to heal and repair damaged nerve tissue after acute trauma.  It is an excellent choice for patients that suffer from mild depression, anxiety or have nocturnal neuralgias.
• Lobelia inflate (lobelia):  Lobelia is one of the most powerful systemic relaxants in our herbal medicine chest.  It acts as a general depressant on neuro-muscular action.  It must be used with caution and in low doses, as excessive dosing will cause vomiting.
• Matricaria charmomilla (chamomile): Many people recognize chamomile’s relaxing properties when consumed as a tea, but few are aware of its potential as a compelling muscular anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent.  Chamomile can be particularly helpful when muscular tension is a reflection of emotional stress.
• Piper methysticum (Kava):  A well known relaxant from the Pacific Islands, Kava acts as a mild sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, local anesthetic and mild analgesic.  Herbalists treasure it as a remedy that can relax the body without numbing the mind.
• Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon’s Seal:  This North American native is a versatile herb for a wide range of muscular and skeletal problems.  Known as a balancing herb, it can loosen or tighten tendons, ligaments, or joints, adjusting the connective tissue back to its proper elasticity and used both orally and topically.  It is supportive in bone health, and can be used as a building - strengthening agent for broken or calcified bones.